In the past, all of our telecommunications were hardwired. Now with technologies like VoIP and SIP Trunking, we can make calls without nearly as much wires or equipment. However, what is VoIP? What is SIP Trunking? Additionally, what is a SIP Session?
VoIP and SIP Trunking
Many people think that SIP and VoIP are essentially the same thing. This isn’t true, though they are related. In simple terms, SIP is a common method of delivering VoIP. They use the internet to make calls and offer numerous benefits over traditional calling. For one, they are much less expensive. They also provide many modern features not found in older systems.
However, with that said, it can be intimidating to jump into a new technology. There are many terms you have to educate yourself on. One of the biggest things you need to understand when switching to SIP Trunking is what a SIP Session is.
SIP Session
First of all, a SIP Trunk is essentially a virtual phone line. They allow users to make and receive calls over the internet. SIP Trunks use a packet switch network in which voice calls are broken down into digital packets and sent along your network. So, what is a SIP Session?
A SIP Session refers to the number of concurrent calls that make up a SIP Trunk. A good analogy is that of a freeway. If a SIP Trunk is the freeway, a SIP Session is the lane and your call is a car. In other words, SIP Sessions are basically pathways that exchange communication data between two points. They have the ability to support a single call. You can have many SIP Sessions within a single SIP Trunk.
It is important to understand this because it will determine how many Sessions and Trunks your business requires. Before switching to SIP, you need to calculate how many calls your business handles each day.
If you have any questions regarding SIP Trunking, please contact Intuity today at (800) 811-1086. Please feel free to also follow us on Twitter.